Adam is a certified smartphone, tablet, and wearables expert with over five years of tech experience, sharing his expertise and buying tips.
High-end phones may be expensive, but at least they’re now supported for a longer period of time, meaning you could keep one for up to seven years.
Unfortunately, issues with battery life and accidental damage can arise, but phone repairs are available and convenient if you know where to look.
Premium smartphones use higher-quality components, which increases their price (and repair costs), so weighing the cost of repair versus buying a new device can be challenging. Third-party repairs are often cheaper, but if possible, it’s best to compare costs with the manufacturer first. For example:
You may have to send your device to a repair shop to get a final price, but if your device is under warranty, you may pay significantly less or nothing at all.
Prices are current as of May 2025. Some other brands, such as OnePlus and Google, require your phone’s unique IMEI number to determine repair costs. Therefore, we cannot compare these prices.
If your phone is new, repairing it instead of buying a new one may be a good option. But if it’s been several years, it’s best to consider the cost-effectiveness. For example, if your iPhone 13 Pro Max screen is cracked and out of warranty, you might have to pay £349 for a repair at Apple.
You can buy a Which? Best Buy smartphone for around this price, or consider replacing it with a similar refurbished phone. Also, if your phone is more than two years old, use our mobile support calculator to find out how long it can receive important updates. If your phone is no longer supported, it’s best to upgrade it as soon as possible.
Fortunately, battery replacement is usually inexpensive, although prices can vary significantly depending on the brand. Likewise, battery repair is much cheaper than smartphone screen repair, and using a third-party service is usually the most cost-effective option.
Prices are current as of May 2025. Some other brands, such as OnePlus and Google, require your phone’s unique IMEI number to determine repair costs. Therefore, we cannot compare these prices.
If you’re upgrading your phone, don’t let your old one gather dust in a drawer. Here’s our guide to recycling your phone.
If your phone is not yet under warranty, repairs at a third-party repair shop are usually cheaper than going directly to the manufacturer. However, it’s best to compare prices from several repair shops first, as prices may vary.
Repair procedures vary by brand. Check your brand below to estimate the complexity of the repair process.
If the unexpected happens and your Samsung smartphone is damaged, you have three options if you don’t want to deal with a third party: in-home repair, pickup, or in-store repair.
By choosing Samsung’s on-site service, you receive a mobile repair vehicle that will come to your location to repair your device. Repairs can be completed on the same day, but Samsung notes that this depends on “actual resolution time and parts availability.”
On-site repair means a courier will pick up your device and deliver it for repair. Repairs can take up to 10 days from receipt. You can also try in-store repair. You’ll need to schedule an appointment with a Samsung specialist through the Samsung website. Screen and battery repairs for Samsung devices are included. In other words, if the screen is cracked, both the display and battery will be replaced.
Looking for a new phone? Want something with a large screen that fits comfortably in your pocket? Check out our recommendations for the best foldable and flip phones.
Apple has launched a DIY repair service in the UK, allowing customers to repair their iPhones themselves using professional equipment. However, we suspect this service may seem impractical to many, especially considering it can be more expensive than hiring a professional. Read more about this in our article about Apple’s DIY repair service.
When using more traditional repair methods, you’ll need to schedule an appointment online or by phone before bringing your damaged iPhone to the repair shop so a technician can work with you. As a precaution, we recommend backing up important files before your appointment. Apple also recommends keeping your Apple ID and password secure. If you prefer to send your iPhone back to the repair shop, you can visit Apple’s website to schedule a box delivery.
AppleCare+ can cover the cost of screen repairs. The program includes coverage for two incidents of accidental damage (for an additional fee). If you don’t have AppleCare+, you’ll pay for out-of-warranty repairs.
Google processes damaged phones through the “Repair Center” page on its website. We contacted Google for a repair estimate, but were unable to obtain a precise price for Pixel smartphones. This is because Google requires the IMEI number (which can be found in the phone’s settings) to escalate the case and negotiate a price.
Xiaomi publishes repair costs for each smartphone component on its website. The exact cost varies depending on the model, but regardless of the model, you’ll pay an “inspection fee” of £26.45 plus shipping.
To have your OnePlus phone repaired, fill out the request form on the website and send the device back for inspection. If any component of your OnePlus phone is damaged, you can replace it separately.
You can submit a repair request on the Oppo support website and send your device back to Oppo for repair. The repair cost depends on the device model. Oppo recommends making a full backup of your personal data before sending your device for repair.
If you return your smartphone to Motorola, the company will either refund your money or exchange it for a new device. Repaired devices or replacements are typically shipped “within seven days of receiving the original device.” Screen damage or “other physical damage” is not covered by Motorola’s standard warranty, so you’ll have to pay for the repair separately. Motorola states that phones exposed to liquids are not repairable, but they are covered by the Moto Care accidental damage protection program.
Most third-party service centers require you to ship your damaged smartphone by mail, and some even provide a free shipping label. When shipping your phone, make sure it’s well protected. If possible, use the original packaging.
Large companies may have physical locations across the country, which can be a more convenient option in some cases. For example, Timpson claims to have over 2,000 locations nationwide where you can test your phone, while iSmash users can visit one of 38 locations.
Order fulfillment times depend on your carrier. Before you begin, carefully review the manufacturer’s promises. Also, back up all important data before your smartphone arrives to prevent it from being deleted.
If you choose a third-party service center, you’ll need to decide whether to go to a brick-and-mortar store or use mail-in service. Shipping to a brick-and-mortar store is convenient, but can be expensive, depending on where you choose. Mail-in service is easy to order online, but you may have to wait several weeks to receive your phone back.
Probably not. While you can find repair kits with fairly detailed instructions online, repairing a smartphone yourself can be a tedious process, especially considering that the back cover of some phones is rarely easily removable these days.
There are also potential security threats that could do more harm than good to your phone. We recommend finding a reputable company that offers professional repair services at competitive prices, which likely won’t cost much more when you factor in the cost of parts.
Buying a refurbished smartphone can also be a good option if you’re facing high out-of-warranty repair costs. Phones officially refurbished by the manufacturer or retailer typically come with a one-year warranty, so you may be in a better position than with your old phone.
Be careful when buying phones advertised as refurbished but without a warranty, or buying used phones from individuals on sites like eBay. You might find a good deal, but if something goes wrong, you could run into trouble.
As we mentioned, phone repairs can be expensive. It’s wise to insure against loss or damage, so carefully weigh your options. Also, keep in mind that some electronics insurance policies don’t cover refurbished phones, so carefully review your insurance company’s terms to determine if you qualify.
Special mobile phone insurance can cover repair and replacement costs in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Most policies also include the cost of phone accessories and overseas coverage, but you should carefully check your policy to ensure you don’t need to add these services to your travel insurance.
For more information on what mobile phone insurance covers and whether it’s worth buying, check out our expert guide, Mobile Phone Insurance: How to Get the Best Coverage.
If you have property insurance, it may already cover damage to your phone, but read the terms and conditions carefully and contact your insurer if you have any questions.
Two key terms to clarify are accidental damage and outdoor accident insurance, as well as the deductibles you’ll need to pay (these may vary). Also, check whether outdoor accident insurance covers your vacation abroad; in some cases, this may eliminate the need for additional coverage.
Learn how property insurance works, the different types of coverage available, and common exclusions to be aware of with our property insurance guide.
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Post time: Oct-24-2025